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New Hampshire Revised Statutes

N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 21:2 (2026)

Common Usage

✓ current as of May 2026
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    21:2 Common Usage. – Words and phrases shall be construed according to the common and approved usage of the language; but technical words and phrases, and such others as may have acquired a peculiar and appropriate meaning in law, shall be construed and understood according to such peculiar and appropriate meaning.

Source. GS 1:2. GL 1:2. PS 2:2. PL 2:2. RL 7:2.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 96 cases (6 in the last 5 years), 1960–2025 · leading case: In Re Guardianship of Williams, 986 A.2d 559 (N.H. 2009).
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In Re Guardianship of Williams, 986 A.2d 559 (N.H. 2009). · cites it 4× “I write separately, however, because I believe that this appeal is resolved by applying RSA 21:2 (2000), and because, in my view, the majority has decided issues that are not squarely before us.”
Brent v. Paquette, 567 A.2d 976 (N.H. 1989). · cites it 2× “See RSA 21:2; State v. Collins, 129 N.H. 488, 490 , 529 A.”
Appeal of Malouin, 926 A.2d 295 (N.H. 2007). · cites it 2× “805, 809 (1985); see also RSA 21:2 (2000). The compensation appeals board’s decision will not be overturned unless it is erroneous as a matter of law or the petitioner has demonstrated that the order is unjust or unreasonable.”
State v. Berry, 428 A.2d 1250 (N.H. 1981). · cites it 2× “2d 34, 36 (1981); RSA 21:2; see State v. Linsky, 117 N.H. 866, 874 , 379 A.”
King v. Sununu, 490 A.2d 796 (N.H. 1985). · cites it 2× “RSA 21:2. The plain meaning of the word “notwithstanding” is “without prevention or obstruction from or by” or “in spite of.”
Smith v. Am. Employers' Ins., 102 N.H. 530 (N.H. 1960). · cites it 2× “It is obvious that the words "some person other than the employer," interpreted as they must be in accord with their "common" usage (RSA 21:2) would include the defendant insurance carrier.”
State v. Morehouse, 424 A.2d 798 (N.H. 1980). · cites it 2× “RSA 21:2. "Cruel" is defined as "disposed to inflict pain.”
State v. Njogu, 937 A.2d 887 (N.H. 2007). · cites it 2× “*890 The defendants argue that the statute should not be thus limited because the specified devices, including a camera or other imaging device, have other non-imaging, non-tracking functions. However, although the specified devices may serve legitimate functions distinct from…”
State v. Linsky, 379 A.2d 813 (N.H. 1977). “See RSA 21:2. II. Notice and Intent. In order to find a person guilty of criminal contempt for violating an injunction, that person must have knowledge or notice of the injunction, 43 C.”
State v. Johnson, 547 A.2d 213 (N.H. 1988). “RSA 21:2. “Coercion” is defined as being either “actual, direct or positive, as where physical force is used to compel act against one’s will, or implied, legal or constructive, as where one party is constrained by subjugation to other to do what [her] free will would refuse.”
Silva v. Botsch, 420 A.2d 301 (N.H. 1980). “RSA 21:2. In the case before us, the key words and phrases bear meanings that are easily understood.”
Appeal of Peirce, 451 A.2d 363 (N.H. 1982). · cites it 2× “Furthermore, we interpret the phrase " special benefits" (emphasis added) according to its common usage, see RSA 21:2, to mean benefits which are distinct or noteworthy.”
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